Dizziness is one of the most common reasons people visit their doctor — yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. For many people, repeated appointments and investigations lead nowhere, leaving them unsure of what is causing their symptoms or where to turn next.

If you have been experiencing persistent dizziness, vertigo, or balance difficulties, you may have come across the term vestibular rehabilitation therapy — but perhaps you’re not quite sure what it involves or whether it might apply to your situation. This article aims to answer those questions in plain, straightforward language.

What Is the Vestibular System?

The vestibular system is a complex sensory system located primarily within the inner ear. It works in close coordination with your eyes and your musculoskeletal system to help your brain understand where your body is in space, how fast you are moving, and which direction you are facing.

When the vestibular system is functioning well, this process happens seamlessly in the background. When it is disrupted — whether due to an inner ear condition, head injury, illness, ageing, or other factors — the result may be dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, visual disturbance, or a persistent feeling of disorientation.

What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an evidence-informed physiotherapy approach designed to assess and address dysfunction within the vestibular system. It draws on the brain’s natural capacity for neuroplasticity — its ability to adapt and reorganise itself — to support improvement in balance, gaze stability, and the management of dizziness-related symptoms.

Unlike many treatments that aim to reduce symptoms through medication alone, vestibular rehabilitation takes a movement-based, rehabilitative approach. The goal is to work with the body’s own systems to support recovery over time. It is not a quick fix, and results may vary between individuals — but for many people, it may represent a meaningful step forward.

What Does Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Involve?

Vestibular rehabilitation is not a single, standardised exercise programme. It is highly individualised and based on the findings of a thorough physiotherapy assessment. At Emerald Hills Physio & Sport Clinic in Sherwood Park, a vestibular physiotherapy assessment may include:

•        A detailed discussion of your symptom history, triggers, and functional impact

•        Assessment of eye movements and gaze stability

•        Positional testing to identify conditions such as BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)

•        Balance and coordination assessments

•        Review of how symptoms are affected by head and body movement

Based on assessment findings, a tailored rehabilitation programme may then be developed. This might include gaze stabilisation exercises, balance retraining activities, habituation exercises, and guidance on managing symptoms during daily activities.

Who May Benefit from Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Vestibular physiotherapy in Sherwood Park may be considered for individuals living with a range of conditions and presentations, including:

•        Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) — a common cause of brief, intense episodes of vertigo brought on by certain head positions

•        Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis — inflammation of the inner ear, often following a viral illness

•        Vestibular hypofunction — reduced function on one or both sides of the vestibular system

•        Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) — a chronic dizziness condition with strong links to how the brain processes movement and space

•        Concussion-related dizziness and balance difficulties

•        Age-related balance decline

Please note: This is not a complete list. A physiotherapy assessment is the most appropriate way to determine whether vestibular rehabilitation may be suitable for your individual situation.

Common Questions About Vestibular Rehabilitation

Do I need a referral?

In many cases, you may be able to book a vestibular physiotherapy assessment directly without a referral from your doctor. However, if your symptoms are new or have changed significantly, it is always worth speaking with your GP to rule out any conditions that may require medical investigation first.

Will vestibular rehabilitation make my dizziness worse?

Some exercises used in vestibular rehabilitation are designed to gently challenge the balance system, which may temporarily increase symptoms before they settle. Your physiotherapist will work with you to find an approach that is manageable and progresses at a pace suited to you.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies significantly between individuals and depends on the nature and severity of your presentation, your consistency with a home exercise programme, and how your vestibular system responds over time. Your physiotherapist may provide an initial indication following assessment, though this may be adjusted as your rehabilitation progresses.

Getting Started with Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy in Sherwood Park

If you have been living with unexplained dizziness or balance difficulties and are looking for a clearer direction, vestibular physiotherapy may be worth exploring. At Emerald Hills Physio & Sport Clinic, our physiotherapy team works with patients in Sherwood Park and the surrounding area to assess vestibular-related concerns and develop personalised rehabilitation approaches.

Taking the first step of booking an assessment may help you better understand what is happening with your balance system — and what options may be available to support you going forward.

To find out more or to book a vestibular physiotherapy assessment at our Sherwood Park clinic, please contact Emerald Hills Physio & Sport Clinic directly. We look forward to supporting you.